Eucalyptus under irrigation

EUCALYPTUS UNDER IRRIGATION IN CHILE
Summary: New research project on Eucalyptus development under different irrigation strategies.
Keywords: Eucalyptus, irrigation, field trials, Chile
In 1995 field research was started in Chile aimed to assess Eucalyptus globulus development under different irrigation regimes (frequencies and water depths applied, as % of ETp and different soil water threshold criteria). The main objective is oriented to see if we can reduce by a year or two the time span needed from planting to tree maturity (for cellulose pulp production, as well as for other industrial uses), and to evaluate if irrigated areas closer to pulp mills are suitable for Eucalyptus enhanced growth.
Plants are growing to the minute. In the inital 120 days from planting, seedlings 25 cm high, with less than 15 cm3 root systems, have reached 220 cm, with roots extending 130 cm from the trunk.
We will appreciate information on similar studies carried on in the past or under development now, to share experiences and data, to select appropiate field treatments.
I have no previous experience with forest trees, but my main research is related to irrigation and fertigation of fruit orchards and tablegrape plantations under controlled drip irrigation. The possibility to visit research facilities is considered on the budget, and also the visit to Chile of foreing specialists can be arranged.
Luis A. Gurovich
School of Agronomy and Forestry
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
P. O. Box 306 - 22 Santiago - Chile
Telephone 562 6864162
Fax: 562 552 6005
e-mail: lgurovic at sas.puc.cl